It would be helpful to hear from fifth wheel owners on what maintenance issues need to be addressed on an annual basis. For example, what's involved in wheel bearing and brake inspections, cleaning, lubing? What needs to be done to rubber roofs to keep them clean and leak free? Are there other items that need more frequent attention?
It would help to know how much to budget for these items as well.
Judy said
07:20 AM Oct 19, 2006
Although we are no experts I would think that the roof needs to be cleaned and cked twice a yr for cracked caulking. Tires removed cking brakes if you have traveled any distance since last brake inspection and repack wheel bearings if you do not have the never lube axles. Visualy ck the a/c on roof for cracks in the shroud or anything that does not look good. I would also think that the caulking on the entire exterior around windows and etc should be cked yearly. Might want to ck screws around awning and inspect seals and gaskets on seals on slide outs.
southwestjudy & Bob & 2blackdogs
Tmcblane said
05:56 PM Oct 19, 2006
WOW! That opens a whole list of subjects! Water heater draining and cleaning, Battery maintence, check all water line connections at least every 6 months as they WIlL eventually come loose, cleaning the AC unit, brakes as already mentioned, wires on the brakes, seals on the windows, roof as mentioned, inspecting the antenna and surrounding area to ensure no leaks are starting, propane connections on the tanks and at all appliances, clean the ducts if you can access them, clean the squirrel fan on the furnace, cleaning the contacts on your shore cable, regularly sanitizing the water tank, there is more but I am losing track! But that is a place to start.
wmalefyt said
07:24 PM Oct 19, 2006
I guess I was really looking to find out about maintenance items more or less unique to a fifth wheel like the brakes, wheel bearings, hitch pins, front jacks, etc. I know many RV's have rubber roofs, but would like to know the best way to keep them in good shape.
Tmcblane said
07:48 PM Oct 19, 2006
Put some lithium grease on the clamp on the Hitch itself when it is looking dry. Using a teflon plate is a great idea rather than greasing the faceplate. Front jack keep them clean and ocassionaly you can put a few drops of oil or wd 40 from the top of the jack, (usually there is a plastic cap covering it.) The brakes as mentioned before check as needed if towing a lot. If only occasional use I would check at least once a season.
Rubber roofs, be careful what you use on them. It is safe to just use dishwashing detergent and water. There is a roof conditioner but I am not convinced that it is necessary. Just regular cleaning should keep it in good shape.
It would be helpful to hear from fifth wheel owners on what maintenance issues need to be addressed on an annual basis. For example, what's involved in wheel bearing and brake inspections, cleaning, lubing? What needs to be done to rubber roofs to keep them clean and leak free? Are there other items that need more frequent attention?
It would help to know how much to budget for these items as well.
Although we are no experts I would think that the roof needs to be cleaned and cked twice a yr for cracked caulking. Tires removed cking brakes if you have traveled any distance since last brake inspection and repack wheel bearings if you do not have the never lube axles. Visualy ck the a/c on roof for cracks in the shroud or anything that does not look good. I would also think that the caulking on the entire exterior around windows and etc should be cked yearly. Might want to ck screws around awning and inspect seals and gaskets on seals on slide outs.
southwestjudy & Bob & 2blackdogs
Rubber roofs, be careful what you use on them. It is safe to just use dishwashing detergent and water. There is a roof conditioner but I am not convinced that it is necessary. Just regular cleaning should keep it in good shape.